When asked whether the National Democratic Alliance will be able to form a government at the Centre, Abhishek said, “The answer lies in the question. A month ago these BJP leaders who were flying down to Bengal said ‘Give us 30 seats and Didi’s government will fall’. Now see the irony. You media people are asking me if the NDA government will survive. Never underestimate the power of a common man”.

Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress won 29 out of 42 Lok Sabha seats in Bengal and thwarted the BJP which got 12 seats. The Congress got 1 seat. In 2019, the BJP got 18 seats, the TMC 22, and Congress managed to win 2 seats.

Reacting to Lok Sabha election results 2024, Banerjee said, “I must say the kingmaker is the general public and not any political leader. Those who voted against the price hike, BJP’s tyranny, communal and divisive politics — every poor and the common man who voted are the actual kingmakers”.

When asked about the course of action the INDIA bloc would take after it won 232 Lok Sabha seats, Banerjee said, “Let there be deliberations first. Let all INDIA bloc leaders meet first and then accordingly I will speak after the discussion. Too early to talk about our plans. Let us come to some conclusions first. Leaders are coming to Delhi from all parts of India. Let us talk first”.

The 36-year-old TMC leader said he was going to Delhi after his party received an invitation for the INDIA bloc meeting. “Yesterday, our party chairperson Mamata Banerjee said that if an invitation came, I would go. After the press meeting yesterday, an invitation came and therefore I am going to attend the meeting,” said Banerjee.

On being asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in on June 8, he said the media should ask the BJP about its slogan of ‘Ab ki Baar 400 Paar. “I want to ask every Central BJP leader, rather humbly request them, to make such bizarre predictions in every Bengal polls because ultimately what you predict goes in our favor,” said Banerjee.

“It’s the culmination of everything. What has the government (Centre) done? You have seen the rallies of the BJP for the last 3 months. They were asked to put forth their report cards or the development work done. They failed to do so. That is why the BJP resorted to divisive and communal politics and people gave them a befitting reply. So, I salute everyone who uprooted this communal force that only used a section of the judiciary, agencies, and the media to oppress and bulldoze opponents. It’s a learning lesson for them that the Prime Minister or Home Minister won’t have the last word, the common man will,” said Banerjee when asked about central investigative agencies’ role during the polls.

Asked about results in Uttar Pradesh, Banerjee said it “shows the people’s anger was at its peak against the BJP”. “You (BJP) made Ram Mandir an agenda throughout the country claiming that you (BJP) brought the Lord inside the temple. How can you say that? Can a human being do that? No wonder Ayodhya defeated you. Prabhu Ram aaye to insaaf aaya (As Lord Ram came, he brought justice)”.

Abhishek Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress national general secretary, on Tuesday broke West Bengal’s record for the highest victory margin with over 7 lakh votes in the Diamond Harbor constituency.